Hi friends,

We just finished Halloween and now it’s a headlong rush to Christmas. Every Wednesday night, kids are practicing their Christmas play. Long hours of rehearsal will lead to a terrific program for a church full of eager parents and family.

One year my church in Texas asked me to direct the children’s Christmas program. I think they had a list of 10 people to ask, and I was number 13. I didn’t know any better, so I said yes and jumped right in.

We had a cast of about 75 kids. I had worked with kids before so I thought this would be a breeze. Wrong! Managing that many children under 12 years old is like herding mosquitoes! In spite of a corny script and rehearsals that made me wish I owned a gun, the play was a success. Parents, the pastor, and all the kids were happy.

Anyone who ever worked with kids probably had that experience. You start with a bunch of rowdy kids who can’t remember lines or learn a song to save their life. You work really hard and do everything except stand on your head (sometimes even that) to help them. In the end, they come through.

Lines Mary and Joseph struggled to learn come off perfectly. Songs the shepherds and wise men had so much trouble learning sound like angel choruses. And suddenly you’re sad because kids who caused you the most grief are the ones you’ll miss the most.

Loretta Swit heads a cast that vividly captures the most fun and challenging moments of a children’s Christmas pageant in this week’s video choice. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a sweet story of kids transformed from juvenile delinquents to angelic beings. You probably know someone directing a Christmas program; buy a copy and give it to them as encouragement that their efforts will have great results.

From the screening room,

Angela Walker
ChristianCinema.com

P.S. We have some early Christmas presents for our readers! Some of you will win copies of this year's hottest comedies: "Evan Almighty" and "Thou Shalt Laugh: Deuce". Watch this column for an announcement.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - DVD

Loretta Swit stars in this touching and humorous Christmas story

Beware the Herdmans! The nastiest, dirtiest kids you could meet…and they’ve decided they belong in this year’s Christmas pageant. The town thinks they belong in the care of the local police. But when the curtain goes up, a miracle begins-and it all turns into...The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

Christmas Classics & Movies on TV The Christmas Miracle Of Jonathan Toomey - DVD A story of love, redemption, and above all, hope. Based on the best-selling, award winning children\'s book The Christmas Shoes Collection - DVD Get both heart-warming movies based on Donna VanLiere's bestselling books and the hit song! Hope In 9/11 Collection - DVD 3 powerful documentaries of God at work in the midst of one of our nation's greatest national tragedies The Perfect Stranger Collection - DVD Both hit films about encounters with Jesus in one low-priced collection! The Nativity Story - DVD The journey of a lifetime, a story for all time The Polar Express: Special Edition - DVD Below the snowy surface of colorful trains and magical cities lies the question: Can I believe what I've never seen? Can I risk faith? Three Christmas Classics - DVD Three timeless Christmas stories--on one DVD! Christmas At Maxwells - DVD An inspirational love story about the power of forgiveness and faith in the beauty of life. Gaither & Homecoming Friends: Joy To The World - DVD Celebrate Christmas with Bill & Gloria Gaither and their Homecoming Friends iWorship Christmas Resource - DVD A Total Christmas Worship Experience The Gift of The Magi - DVD A wonderful romantic tale of a young married couple who have little money to buy each other Christmas presents. And so she cuts off and sells her beautiful hair... The Climb - DVD 2 men. 2 goals. 1 mountain. ...Heart-stopping adventure! Also Available VHS